Great weekend

We really enjoyed our stay at Huron House. The sunrise was spectacular on Sunday. It looked as if God piped a pile of meringue aCross Lake Huron. It was 20 degrees cooler than Saturday, but still warm enough to drink our coffee on the deck.

Wow

We are enjoying our honeymoon weekend. Not much of a sunrise, but this is the nicest weather we have had. It's cloudy and 74.

We went back for the funerals of Mr. and Mrs. Lentz this morning. It was a beautiful service. Filled with singing, poetry, sonnets, Corinthians, and reminiscing. 

This couple, married 79 years, died within a week of each other. They instilled art, poetry, literature, nature, woodworking, core values and family into their lives.

It was so fitting that we attended their funeral on our honeymoon weekend. 

44

Sometimes it seems forever; sometimes like it was just yesterday. I am the luckiest person ever. We go for our honeymoon weekend tomorrow - today Pat has been too busy to celebrate.

His Dad had to go to the doctor. His sister needed to borrow a tent. Caroline had a flat tire in Midland. He is waiting for her to get out of work so she can waIT for it at the tire place so he can come home. We have plans with friends for dinner. We also have to come back on Saturday for a funeral service.

This is why I married this man. He has a heart of gold.

So glad we will have most of the weekend together.

Just when you think it's done

The funeral for Cindy's Mom was beautiful. So many people had so many good things to say about her.

The parish, St. Louis Catholic Church in Clinton Twp. was a step back in time. I told Fr. Larry, a classmate of Jack Johnson, that I felt as if Bishop Ken was in the building.

We all said the doxology

Beautiful cut glass cups

He memorized the Gospel

The whole Our Father

Great homily

Cross with Elsie's DVD put on wall for honoring their beloved parishioners 

Warm welcome

It felt like home.

Brunch

Yesterday we had family over for brunch. It started out because Tulsa family Sarah, Paul and Ella were visiting Liz, Joe, Margot and Sylvie in Ann Arbor. We invited them to come visit while they were here.

Then, our sister-in-law lost her Mom this week so there were lots of the Shea family in Michigan. So the guest list swelled.

Even though Kim, Karina, Karalee, Jim and Cindy were exhausted from the funeral and had to travel from Mt. Clemens and go back because the girls had flights to take back to college they came for brunch. They couldn't stay in Saginaw because with anticipated holiday traffic they were worried about missing their flights.

Kelly and Bill were supposed to leave on Sunday from Detroit. They changed their flight to a later time from MBS so they could come.

Bill and Julie both had to preach, but they made it a priority to bring Ethan and Tsipporah to join in.

My sister Kathy had commitments at church, but she raced through them and got here in time to eat!

My immediate family all came early to help. Jesse came in with Romeo and Tino. John came in with Jason and they all jumped in to help. And cleanup was so much easier with help.

Very early help with Pat, Joanna, Sheala, Caroline, Javier and Ayva. There would not have been a brunch without them. Setting up tables and chairs, baking, cooking, stirring, singing, tasting, laughing, crying, and even invoking Mrs. Lepeak to make the stubborn pie crusts come together - it all worked.

Joanna, Caroline and Pat did dishes. That was a blessing.

The day was filled with sunshine - thank goodness because we needed all available space. It was so nice to have everyone here. I love every single one of them and could not feel more blessed. Thank you God for this loving family.

Pray for sunshine on Sunday

Oh Dear Lord,

Please have Sunday be very nice outside.

Twenty-six for brunch in a condo, what was I thinking?

And.... if the scones could be flaky, and the quiche creamy, and the cookies yummy, and the salad crispy....

One more thing... may the condo people be okay with all of us outside!

Oh goodness that's a lot to ask for....

Book #11

So happy to announce

my latest eBook.

Click the book to go to

my author page on Amazon.

Chef Club Pepper Tart

Pepper Tart Video

Friends

My friend, Fran sent me these pictures of Chihuly art. She was at a casino. When I told her to win big she said, "Not happening."

Thinking about it later..... if the casino has Chihuly art..... lots of people had to lose to buy those beauties.

Everyone over for dinner

I should have seen this before everyone left. I will have to ask Ayva who this is!

Joanna, John, Dustin

Caroline, Jesse, Javier, Ayva, Romeo & Tino

All came for Fettuccine, Garlic Toast, Tomatoes, cucumbers and 

Peanut Butter Pie.

The kids had fun running after each other outside.  Joanna and Caroline did dishes.

What a nice night.

Stomach stopped flip flopping

Just now Jane sent me a text to say the book just arrived.

Thank you St. Anthony - it just was returned to Jane in Tulsa

This afternoon I wrote:

Waiting for my sister to start over on editing my book. The original she was almost done editing was lost in the mail.

She asked me to email a new copy to her. I cut it into three documents and emailed it to her.  I know she is super busy with her consulting so it may be a while.

I have a very difficult time working on corrections made to a word document so I am worried about it.

Please say some prayers.

A Hologram for the King

Tom Hanks what the hell were you thinking? Don't waste your money.

Pizza Night

On Tuesday we made a run to Lansing to buy pizza crusts at Roma's. They are prepared round crusts that are light and crisp.

I also made a blueberry Pie in my iron skillet. That turned out delicious. I may use that all the time.

We had Bill and Amy and Jim and Jan over for dinner.  

Pizza 1 - this was OK- much better version at 2nd Street in Freeland.

Olive oil, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, garlic, garlic powder, oregano - brush on crust

Top with tomatoes

Brush oil mixture on

Sprinkle sausage

Top with cheese

When done sprinkle with fresh basil 

Pizza 2 - this is the "Fat Girl Pizza" named by my friend Heather that the now closed Tommy V's used to make. Actually I think mine was better!

Buitoni's fresh pasta - no need to boil

Mix it in warmed up Buitoni's Alfredo sauce and add cooked chicken pieces.
Add 1 cup 5 Italian cheese

Salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, oregano

Top crust with mixture

Top with cheese

Pizza 3 - this is Pat's favorite.

Saute onion, peppers and chicken and sausage 

Mix tomatoes with sauce

Spread sauce

Mixture

Pepperoni 

Cheese

Oregano

Final Jeopardy

Tournament of Champions last night. All three missed it. I yelled out, "Gambia and Zambia?"

When the correct question was read Pat exclaims, "You pulled that one out of your butt!"

Mmmmmm...... that wasn't very nice...... I think I'll call him a Poophead on my blog.

"POOPHEAD!"

There I feel much better.

American Red Cross

When this picture was posted on Facebook this morning memories came flooding into my heart.

My best friend Janet and I spent so many hours working on Red Cross projects. Mrs. Fordney could get us to do anything.

She asked us to go to leadership camp one year. Janet said yes, but did not suffer silently! Her family was camping in Grand Marais, in the beautiful Upper Peninsula in Michigan. She was stuck with me at Camp Pretty Lake hating all the activities meant to make us bond with each other.

We also went to the bus station at 5:00 in the morning, once a week, to see draftees off for basic training. This was a difficult job. Many didn't want to go and we're terrified they would be sent to Vietnam. We were playing patriotic music on a portable record player handing out small flags.

The Red Cross had swimming classes for kids with physical and mental challenges. They needed help one on one with the kids. The beautiful YWCA was built just across the street from our homes and the classes were there. We went there once a week.

We were office volunteers. Answering phones, collating minutes for the board, sending out newsletters. We went to the office which was in the beautiful mansion above once a week.

Once a month we had the high school Red Cross meetings. Students from each high school coordinated fund raising in our schools.

I learned so much. This was way before volunteer hours were needed to graduate. I am still so thankful for my mentor, Mrs. Fordney and my friend, Janet Lepeak.

Picture Perfect

I just saw the perfect moment. Driving too fast down the road. We couldn't go back and anyway it couldn't have been posed.

A woman standing on the steps of the Standish Township Hall embodied this warm August day to perfection.

Several cars were parked in front of the old white builing. In the quick moment it took to drive past her I had a sense she was flirting with someone I didn't see.

She wore a tea length, sleeveless coral dress with white designs and a v-neck. Her long blonde hair braided with the end hanging over her right shoulder.

She leaned against the railing tilting her chin down as she closed her eyes and smiled.

Time stood still - it was picture perfect - it was like one of those award winning photos from Life Magazine. I don't think I will ever forget it.

Visitors

Margot and I had such fun cooking. She poured and stirred and tasted everything. She loved the carrots, kale and cabbage - her mother was shocked.

 Here is Liz with her little bundle of joy, Sylvie.

This is Jane, aka Nana, with Margot.

Jim and Cindy came over for dinner. We had such a nice evening.

Liliana Update

This is the sweetest picture ever. Ksenija and Liliana out for a stroll in the hospital cafe. It's still going to be a few weeks before they can bring her home, but those smiles tell it all. Things are looking brighter.

Prayers continue.

So Touched

My friend, Kay, is so thoughtful.  She edits my books which is a huge thing to do for a friend. On Friday I texted her husband's phone (she let her daughter use her phone in between jobs.)

She called me right back because her husband, like Pat, has a flip phone. Remember when you had to hit a key three times to get the third letter? No way was she texting on that dinosaur!

Anyway, they were home so we drove over to see them. Right after I looked at her darling blueberry rocks that she had painted she went into the garage and brought one out she had painted for me!

My book that we are working on right now is called 'New Beginnings' and we just moved to our condo in December. In addition we actually do think this new home is a little piece of heaven.

Thank you dear friend.

New Baby

                               Congratulations
                            Liz, Joe and Margot

                                    Welcome
                                  Sylvie Rose

Agree with most of it!

With reservation, I love this quote. It really is true that everything has the possibility of being a part of changing me. It's up to me to make the choices, but the opportunities are all around us.

The reservation I have is that Jesus didn't 'need' Judas. Jesus could have gotten to the cross without his betrayal. Judas chose his path all on his own.

What I do when tragedy strikes - all too often now

I quoted part of this homily on Facebook when Stephanie Gunther asked for suggestions in the light of what is happening in our world to be able to continue on and do something.  I always turn to Bishop Ken when I am lost.  His sister gave his homilies to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and they are published at this link:

http://visitationnorth.org/index.php/year-c-luke

Genesis 18:20-32

Col 2:12-14
Luke 11:1-13

Bishop Untener's Homily

Luke probably put together in one place some teachings about prayer that Jesus spoke on different occasions. As a result, this relatively long Gospel passage about prayer is one of the most beautiful texts in all the Gospels. First of all, Jesus teaches his disciples – and us – how he prays. That would be something like having the world’s finest chef come into our kitchen and take some time with us to explain some of the things he does to produce gourmet food. Imagine. Jesus teaching us how he prays.

Then Jesus tells us that God always, always answers our prayer. He doesn’t hedge on this. He doesn’t waffle. With complete certitude he says that God always, always answers our prayer. Jesus not only states this flatly, but then backs it up with two parables.

So there’s no room for doubt about prayer. We have it straight from Jesus. And what we have is this: Prayer always – always – has an effect, and it is always a good effect.

Even though Jesus is as clear as clear can be on this, I’m not sure we fully believe it. We live in a sophisticated society, and we have learned much about "causality" – what makes things happen. Chemistry, technology, the psychosocial sciences have taught us a great deal about cause and effect. God doesn’t make it rain. Meteorologists can explain what causes rain – on the plain in Spain or anywhere in the world. Technologists can explain how we can send a message to someone halfway around the world. Psychologists can explain what it takes to change a person’s behavior.

As a result, I think we have sort of de-valued the causality of prayer. We still believe it’s a good thing to do – to pray – but it’s hit and miss. Now and then it might have an effect on the people we’re praying for, or situations we’re praying for, but most of the time it doesn’t. We pray sort of the same way we play the Lotto. We hope to hit it, even for a small pay-off, but we know that most of the time we don’t hit it.

Now face that off against the clear words of Jesus: "Ask and you will receive; seek and you fill find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." It’s as clear as clear can be. But in practice, based on our own experience, it doesn’t seem to work that way. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it doesn’t. Let’s see if we can figure this out.

When we pray for someone or something, we shine upon that person or that situation, the love of God. We direct the love of God upon that someone or something in a special way. And God’s love always has an effect, a good effect. It’s like the sun. The sun has power within it, and when the rays of the sun are directed upon someone or something, they always have an effect.

I came across a story, a true story, that isn’t sensational, but it’s striking, and it makes you think. There was a fellow sent to save a failing hotel. The situation was so bad that he decided upon desperate measures. Each night he drove to a hill overlooking the hotel. He parked, sat in the car, and prayed for twenty minutes. He looked at the lighted windows and prayed for the hotel guests who were in those rooms. He prayed for the employees and their families. He prayed for himself. Gradually, changes started to take place in the hotel. A new spirit radiated from its employees. A new warmth greeted each new guest. A new hope permeated the operation. Within a year, the hotel was back on its feet.

When we doubt the effectiveness of prayer, we don’t underestimate the power of God. We underestimate our own power. You see, we have God’s life within us. We all know that, and we have no trouble believing it. This means that God’s love is within us. What we do when we pray is direct God’s love in a special way on a particular person or a particular situation. We’re more powerful than we think we are. We have the power to bless another person with God’s love. When we do that, something happens. Something good happens. God’s love always, always has a good effect. It may not be exactly the result we want in exactly the way we want it. But it brings about a result, and always, always a good result.

So, when we pray, we know that something good happens. What father or mother would give their son or daughter a snake if they asked for a fish? Or a scorpion if they asked for an egg? Well then, if that’s how we act with our limited ability to love, imagine how God acts – God who is infinite love.

There’s one more part to this. Our prayer not only brings about a good effect in the person or situation we’re praying for. It also produces a good effect upon us. We become more aware of the presence of God within us, around us. We become more aware of God’s love within us, around us. It makes us more loving. And we draw closer to our loving God.

Prayer is a great gift. It’s there for the asking. And it always has a good effect on others, and upon us.

I pray that you and I will appreciate this gift more fully, and make use of it even more often than perhaps we have done up till now.

Originally given on July 29, 2001

WooHoo!

New Beginnings is coming out of the printer as I type this post!  It will be on its way to my sister, Jane, for the final edit.

I had such a writer's block after we moved.  I just couldn't work on the book.  At times I felt I would not publish this book this year.  It would have been the first time not to publish one and it scared me.  But inspiration hit and I worked until it was done.

The trip to Tulsa for my niece's wedding made it possible to work with my first editor, my cousin Mary Lynn.  But with my good luck my sister, Kathy was with us too.  Mary Lynn and Kathy read each of the chapters silently and then they discussed them in the back seat.  They made changes and handed them to me to work on in the front seat.

Then when I got home from Tulsa I worked on it a bit more - I read it through again - made changes on the pages and then typed them in - making changes as I typed.

Then I took it to my best friend, Kay.  She read through the book - then began again and made changes.  There were so many comments on her typed excel sheets (filled with changes) that said, I'm a bit confused here....

So I made all of her changes.  Today I searched on the word 'very' - oh my goodness do I use that word a lot!  So I took out many of them and some of them I put in a synonym for it.

So - Jane - here it comes!

Such an emotional week

Our sweet Liliana became ill while in Croatia. She is the daughter of Mike and Ksenija and granddaughter of Jim and Cindy. Mike and Ksenija took her to Croatia to be Baptised in the same church they were married in.

Instead Lilliana became lethargic and wouldn't eat. They took her to the hospital. That was Sunday. On Wednesday they Baptised her in the hospital. Today she is going to medvac to Germany.

Mike has been talking with the American Embassy in Croatia and Germany. Dr. Ling a US specialist recommended the move.

We have been blessed with so many caring friends and family. Prayers are being said all day and intother the night by so many people. Friends have shared posts and people we don't even know are praying.

Please continue she is very ill.

Avila's Adventure

Such DRAMA!  Avila decided to take off for a couple days.  We all looked for the little poop.  Thankfully she is back in loving arms.  So I decided to write a little book for the kids to illustrate.  I can't wait to have them draw pictures with me.

Here is the first draft of the story.  I need Caroline to read it and make corrections to what really happened.

The Human Story

Once upon a time there was a happy family living in the small town of Carrollton, Michigan. Grandpa and Grandma Caroline had four grandchildren and two dogs.

Javier, Ayva, Romeo and Tino stayed with them three or four nights each week. Boesch and Avila stayed every night. The children loved playing with Boesch and Avila. 

It was the day before the summer solstice and the weather was beautiful. The kids begged to go swimming. Grandma Caroline agreed it was a good day to be in the pool. All day people were going in and out of the little house. 

When everyone went inside for the night Grandpa asked, "Where is Avila?"

They searched inside. No Avila. They searched outside. No Avila.

They got into the car and searched street by street. They saw Avila cross Shattuck, a very busy street. She ran down a dead end street. Then she ran through trees into a business yard. The humans couldn't follow. Everyone went to bed sad.

The next day was the first day of summer. No one in the Martinez home had a smile. Still no Avila. Nana and Papa drove through the neighborhood looking for the little dog. No luck.

When Grandma Caroline came home from work they had to go to Javier's baseball game. After that they went looking for Avila. It was dusk so it was difficult to see.

Suddenly Grandma Caroline and Ayva shouted, "I see Avila!" But it was too dark to see which way the little dog ran and they lost sight of her. They went home sad.

Grandma Caroline and Grandpa posted on Facebook about the lost dog. No one had seen Avila. Grandpa called the dog pound. No Avila. Nana and Papa went over to look again in the morning. No Avila.

Everyone was giving up hope of ever having Avila with them again.

The Dog Story

One day a nice, pretty lady took me to my new home. There was another much bigger dog already living there. There was a handsome man and so many little humans. 

It was a fun house to live in. They call me Avila and they call my brother, Boesch. Sometimes the big TV calls us but I only see humans playing stick ball.

I always have to stay in the backyard when we go outside. Boesch told me stories about the big world outside the fence. He said there are lots of dogs to play with and more food than I could ever imagine. No kids to pull my tail. No one to yell at me when I get under foot. It sounded pretty amazing.

One day I walked out the back door and saw the gate open. The kids were laughing and screaming in the big bathtub. I looked to the left where Grandpa was watching the kids. I looked to the right where Grandma Caroline was inside with Tino. I scooted out the gate and ran down the driveway as fast as my little four legs could take me.

I ran and screamed, "I'm free! I'm free!" My only regret was that Boesch had been inside the house so he couldn't go on my adventure. I thought I would be able to tell him all about it that night. Boy, was I wrong about that.

I walked down the street with my head held high. I was so proud of myself. I was all grown up and on my own. It was a great feeling. Everything looked so big and green. I stopped to sniff a tree; another dog smell was there. Before I could explore I heard a loud bark and something crashing through the shrubs. 

I ran faster than ever. I could hear the human at the end of the leash yelling, "Bruiser, stop! Stop right now!"

I looked behind and saw the big black dog with pointy ears get pulled to a stop by the human. I stuck my little pink tongue out at that mean dog and turned to walk away. Just then Bruiser took a lunge at me and I ran through the field until I couldn't hear the human yelling at him anymore.

I sure was hungry. I saw a bag at the end of a driveway that smelled like it might be dinner. It smelled bad when I ripped it open but I ate that spaghetti. Then a human came out of the house to yell at me and I ran down the road.

I ran through a few yards and decided it was time to go home. I looked up the road and then down the road. Which way? I thought I heard Ayva and Grandma Caroline call me but it was too dark to see anything. I saw a house with a big porch and decided to sleep there for the night.  I had a hard time sleeping because I had so many burrs in my fur. I finally fell asleep and dreamed about Grandpa giving me a bath.  The next morning I decided to find my house. I had enough of this adventure.

I tried crossing the street three times. Each time cars almost hit me. So I decided to wait until after I found something to eat. I searched and searched I was so hungry, but I found nothing. 

Again I thought I heard Grandma Caroline but I couldn't Cross the street. I found a porch to sleep on again. I fell asleep very hungry.

I awakened very early. I didn't hear any cars so I ran down the steps and crossed the street. Nothing looked familiar.  I ran up and down the blocks when all of a sudden I heard the sound of a door slam. It sounded just like my back door. Then I heard Grandma Caroline talking to Boesch! I ran through the yard and into the gate. I was home!

The Conclusion 

Grandma Caroline called Grandpa to come out to get Avila who was filthy and filled with burrs. He took her inside to give her a warm shower. When she was squeaky clean he gave her a little food to eat. 

Grandma Caroline went in to wake up Ayva. She asked, "Guess who came home?" Ayva groaned and pulled the covers up. Grandma Caroline asked, "Who have we been looking for?"

Ayva jumped out of bed and ran to hug Avila.  It was a happy day in the Martinez home.

Everyone lived happily ever after.  The End.

Fran

Amanda called me to say her mother, my friend, Fran, is in the hospital.  I have been praying for a quick recovery.

She checks my blog every day.  Even when I go a long time without posting something new she still checks.  So I wanted to make sure she knows that I have been thinking of her a lot.

GET WELL SOON, FRAN!

Lizzie!

After posting a link to my family for Sarah and Paul's wedding pictures I get a text from her sister asking if I still have the pictures from her wedding!

They were in the bag with one of her wedding gifts.  I made her a mirror tray with pictures from her wedding and her parents wedding.  She went through all the cards and bags, no thumb drive.

BUT!!!  When she went through those cards she found the gift card we had given them!!!!!

So that forced me to finally backup my computer pictures onto Google photos.  Five hours later I sent her the link!!!  It took forever.  But I have to thank her because I never thought of backing them up, duh!  So now they are safe and sound on Google Photos.

Here are a few of my favorite Liz and Joe pictures:

Sarah and Paul's Wedding

It was a beautiful wedding.  So filled with love and prayer.

God bless.

Sarah the Baker

Sarah made all these desserts.  She baked for weeks.  Baking, wrapping, freezing.

She loves to bake.  I tried that Lime Cheesecake on pedestal on the left.  It was YUM!

She made her own wedding cake too. It was delicious.

So proud of making her wedding exactly what she wanted it to be - FABULOUS!

Finally on our way

It was like pulling teeth getting Pat out the door this morning. I only said once we needed to get going. He didn't seem to care. That's really not like him, he usually enables my craziness.

I tried to help him pack, mistake.

So I sat in the living room. He finally came in, sat down and put his shoes on. I mentioned the clock in the bedroom is fast so we are just a little bit late starting.

He told me we didn't have to leave until a quarter to. I asked a quarter to what? He said 7. I pointed out it was 710.

Called Mary Lynn to tell her we were on our way and she said they thought we would be there already.

Nope.

I have things to do

Instead I am sitting here trolling Facebook! I have been thinking of taking a break from games, social media, TV. Then I realized I probably won't. Weak, that's what I am, weak.